Playing with friends in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) offers two distinct experiences: local multiplayer for co-op on the same console, and online multiplayer to connect with friends on different consoles.
Local Multiplayer (Couch Co-op)
For friends gathered in the same room, ACNH allows up to four players to share an island simultaneously on a single Nintendo Switch console. This feature is often referred to as "Party Play" or "Couch Co-op."
To initiate local multiplayer:
- Access NookPhone: At any point during gameplay, press the ZL Button to open your NookPhone.
- Select Call Resident: Navigate to and select the "Call Resident" app on the NookPhone.
- Choose Players: Select the resident(s) you wish to invite to play.
- Assign Controllers: Choose the appropriate controller type for each player joining.
- Start Play: After reviewing the on-screen information, select "Close" to begin the multiplayer session.
In local multiplayer, one player acts as the "Leader" while others are "Followers." The camera will always follow the Leader, and Followers have limited access to their inventory and tools unless they switch roles with the Leader.
Online Multiplayer
To connect with friends who are playing on their own Nintendo Switch consoles, you'll use online multiplayer via Dodo Airlines. This method requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership for all participating players.
Hosting Friends (Opening Your Gate)
If you want friends to visit your island:
- Go to Dodo Airlines: Head to your island's airport and speak with Orville at the counter.
- Choose to Host: Select "I want visitors."
- Select Online Play: Confirm you want to use online play ("Via online play").
- Choose Visitors: Decide who you want to invite:
- All my friends!: Anyone on your Nintendo Switch friend list can visit.
- Invite via Dodo Code!: Generate a unique Dodo Code to share with specific players (they don't need to be Nintendo Switch friends).
- My best friends!: Only players you've registered as "Best Friends" in ACNH can visit (this option appears after you've made friends via "All my friends" or Dodo Code).
- Open Gate: Confirm your choice, and your gate will open, allowing others to fly to your island.
Visiting Friends (Flying to an Island)
If you want to visit a friend's island:
- Go to Dodo Airlines: Head to your island's airport and speak with Orville.
- Choose to Visit: Select "I wanna fly!"
- Select Online Play: Confirm you want to use online play ("Via online play").
- Choose How to Visit:
- Search for a friend's island: If a friend on your Nintendo Switch friend list has their gate open.
- Search via Dodo Code: If your friend has provided you with a Dodo Code.
- Confirm Flight: Select the island you wish to visit (if searching for a friend) or enter the Dodo Code, and Orville will arrange your flight.
Quick Comparison: Local vs. Online Play
| Feature | Local Multiplayer (Party Play) | Online Multiplayer |
|---|---|---|
| Players | Up to 4 on one console | Up to 8 (including host) across multiple consoles |
| Requires NSO | No | Yes (for all participants) |
| Consoles | 1 | Multiple |
| Camera | Shared (follows Leader) | Separate (each player has their own screen) |
| Interaction | Leader has full control, Followers limited | Full interaction for all players |
| How to Start | NookPhone > Call Resident | Dodo Airlines (Airport) |
For more details on starting multiplayer games, you can refer to the official Nintendo support page: How to Start a Local or Online Multiplayer Game (Animal Crossing: New Horizons)
